Here you can read about some of the elements that may be included in a hearing test and about some of the methods and technical terms you may come across during such a test.
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Hearing tests are also referred to as tone audiometry.
The hearing test helps to assess a number of different things, such as hearing ability and the ear itself. Please note that all of the methods are completely painless.
Measuring hearing ability |
Hearing ability is measured to deter-mine how well different tones are heard at different intensity levels.
During the hearing test, the hearing threshold for either ear is determined by varying the intensity of each indi-vidual tone. This means that the lowest intensity level at which the individual can just hear a specific tone is established.
The hearing threshold is a good first indication of a potential hearing loss – both the degree of hearing loss and the problematic tones (from low frequency to high frequency tones).
In a typical hearing test, the audiologist presents a number of pure tones to the listener, who then has to indicate if the tones are audible.
The tones can be presented through earphones, which will give the air-conduction threshold. The test can also be made with a small vibrator placed behind the per-son’s ear, in which case the bone-conduction threshold is assessed. In combina-tion, the two methods can indicate where the disorder causing the hearing loss is found: 1) in the middle ear, 2) in the inner ear or 3) in the ear canal.
The result of the hearing test is shown graphically in a so-called audiogram.
The hearing threshold indicates the lower limit of the range where an individual can hear (the dynamic range). The upper limit is called the uncomfortable loudness level and is also measured – with due consideration to the person being tested - by presenting pure tones. The most comfortable loudness level can also be deter-mined by letting that person grade different tones and intensity levels on a scale from just audible to uncomfortably loud.
Measuring the ability to perceive speech |
As reduced speech intelligibility in noise is one of the first signs of hearing impair-ment – and a major problem – there are a number of tests to measure an individu-al’s ability to understand speech.
Measuring speech intelligibility generally involves presenting brief words or sen-tences at different intensity levels. The person being tested then has to repeat these. This allows the audiologist to assess the person’s speech threshold, speech discrimination ability or discrimination loss.
Measuring middle ear function |
If it is suspected that a hearing loss is due to middle ear problems, the audiologist can use a measuring method called impedance audiometry. Here, the audiologist presents a tone through a special rubber plug placed in the ear while varying the air pressure in the ear canal. The method makes it possible to assess whether there is fluid or pressure in the middle ear (for example in connection with a middle ear infection). Middle ear function is also assessed by means of other types of tests.
SEE ALSO:
AudiogramSpeech intelligibilityHearing thresholdDynamic rangeMiddle earHearingHearing, a tour of the ear
